Comprehensive Description

Broadbills are placed in the order Passeriformes, suborder Eurylaimi and family Eurylaimidae. There are four subfamilies of broadbills: Smithornithinae (typical African broadbills), Calyptomeninae (Asian green broadbills), Eurylaiminae (assorted Asian broadbills) and Pseudocalyptomeninae (Grauer’s broadbill). There are 9 genera and 14 species of broadbills. They are thought to be closely related to pittas (Pittidae) and asities (Philepittidae).

Broadbills are small to medium sized birds with a big head, a wide bill and often bright coloration (greens, reds, blues, etc.). They are primarily forest birds and live in rainforests of tropical Asia and Africa. Little is known about the mating behavior of this group. Some species are thought to be monogamous, others polygynous and some may be cooperative breeders. During displays, many broadbills make a loud trilling sound with their wings that can be heard up to 60 m away. Most species are gregarious. Some species eat primarily insects while others mainly eat fruit.